Best of Lanzarote: Timanfaya National Park

Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to bypass the Visitor Centre at Islote de Hilario, because it explains everything you need to know about Park and provides an easy and fascinating introduction to its history. After this, your guide will then show you how the volcanoes of Timanfaya are still at work. First, he’ll throw some straw or brushwood into a hole in the ground, and it won’t be long before a fire starts and you see flames rising up. Then, he’ll throw cold water into another hole, and as you wait, a geyser of steam and hot water will suddenly erupt.

If that’s not enough drama, then the best place to end any tour is close by at the El Diablo restaurant. Here, you’ll see many of the influences of local artist César Manrique, who designed the restaurant logo (and that of the park) depicting a huge, open-air grill. (Find out more about Manrique in our page about his life and work.)

All El Diablo’s meat and fish are grilled using geothermal heat from the volcanoes hundreds of feet below. This has to be one of the biggest barbecues on earth, and whatever you choose from the menu – fish, chicken, sausages or veg – the taste will be delicious. Book well in advance to make sure you don’t miss this experience – it’s a great way to end any walk, bus tour or camel ride.

If the bus tour is too short, and the walk too long, you can still view the scenery at close quarters by visiting the Los Volcanes National Park. Here, you can wander around unsupervised and at your leisure. It’s not as dramatic as its neighbour, but it still allows you to get up close and personal with a gentler lunar landscape. There is a designated walk, which only takes about an hour. This will give you enough time to examine the soil and rocks to see if you can spot any local gemstones. Known as olivine because of its olive green colour, this gem is also called peridot, and much of the jewellery you find in the local shops is made with it.